if you want to renew your faith in humanity do a journey run . the most special thing that happens at vol state is the way the people who live along the course embrace the vol staters. . i think the 80 newbies in this year’s field were taken by surprise on the drive to the start. people waving as they went past signs wishing them well. . but that wasnt even a foretaste of Read more
the second night always starts to shake things out at the front. everyone has had to establish some sort of rest/run pattern. those who are able to survive on minimal rest are rising to the top. the long rest runners can generally move faster when on the road so they yo-yo more than the short rest runners, but the lead pack is always subject to shuffling according to the sleep patterns. . addison churned out Read more
today was supposed to be more of yesterday. yesterday was the day that a lot of newbies thought was hot but the veterans understood was not… . today got hot for real. . the temperature wasnt so bad by itself only in the mid to upper 90s. but with the humidity the heat index went well up over 100 in the shade. we dont even like to think about what the heat index was in Read more
after a night of riotous revelry on the road the innocent faces are no more. everyone who saw the sun rise from the road this morning is now a veteran. there is still a lot of seasoning to be applied, but the reality of life on the open road is no longer a mystery…. . it is hard. much harder than what they imagined. it is dirty much dirtier than the way they pictured it Read more
day 1 is the window for us in the race management. . up until we get the runners on the ferry it feels like the pressure is on. memories of the year the bus company missed the pickup date. the year the bus broke down. the year the motel didnt have the runners’ rooms cleaned… . need i go on? . the runners have always been great about the issues that have come up. sometimes Read more
“At least I’m not dizzy and nauseous.” “A light pack is important, But for gods sake don’t cut weight by eliminating your water!”
it was quite an inspiring sight to see the largest vol state starting field ever stream off the ferry and head for hickman. the first couple of miles was an adventure, as landslides in the old downtown forced a last minute re-route up the pig alley steps and arrival at the courthouse from the opposite direction as usual… . the race staff (and at least one drafted spectator) manned the turns to keep everyone headed Read more
the theme of the day… . butterflies . 80 virgins are tossing and turning, sleepless in what might turn out to be the last bed they sleep in for days. 50 veterans are not resting any easier. but those who have made the journey to the rock are staring into the darkness facing known fears. . the newbies only know they are facing an immense challenge the reality is still shrouded by inexperience. . the Read more